Journal Reflection Module 6: Design Field Experience

Reflection Prompt:
How did understanding the standards and the Pre-Admission Competencies Verification help you design your Field Experience plan? How can you use your ePortfolio to help others understand how to integrate technology more effectively in the classroom?

Description:

As I reviewed my Pre-Admission Competencies Verification form, I realized that I had a better understanding of the standards. The application of these standards was more thorough than before. I read about Leadership and Vision in the standards. I focused on the difference between managment and leadership. There has to be a clear vision and a way to sustain focus from all involved for a leader to succeed. The qualities of a plan being aligned with the goals of the agency or group and include best practices based on research are key to reaching goals and to have the impact expected. The difference between a leader and facilitator impacts the field experience opportunities due to the difference in respnsibilities. The next chart was that of Technology Facilitiator in the Standards, who contributes to the shared vision, and Technology Leader in the Standard, who facilitates development of a shared vision, that promotes Student-Centered Learning.

Impact:

The difference in the wording between management and leadership struck me and I realized how a leader can lead and not just manage a situation or group. As a facilitator, if design, implement, develop and commuicate the vision to the teachers and the student and parents/community. This helped me to clarify the idea that I support the vision of where I work and can have imput in how to reach the visionand provide data to help plan for the future. I need to have that vision clear in my mind for me to make sure that what I plan, develop and implement keep the vision and its goals in mind. The idea of a student-centered learning environment is necessary but not one that some teachers or adminstrators completely understand. I want to keep this in mind as I move into next year since we have a lot of changes going on with buildings moving, staff changes and student transfers from within our schools and from public schools.

Intent:

With the vision and goals of the agency and each building in mind, my intent is to see what the needs of the staff are in meeting the needs of the students, but to also point out some areas that could be stronger. New technology is coming into many classrooms and there are still classrooms, who without support and training, aren't using technology as a tool in a student-centered learning environment. There are many activities being pursued and the students haven't grown up with seeing technology as a learning tool. The over-all plan covers integrating technology as an instructional tool for staff and students in meeting their goals. My role in the plan established is to be a facilitateor. I will direct, lead, and support through the acitivites planned, with the idea that all are centered around the student and then the staff, as facilitators to help the students reach their goals. I will start in two building and then expand to the others. I am starting this summer by supporting the training that the SB company is providing for some staff on SB and Notebook ver11. I will support the training team and the teachers, so that I can establish a working rapport with both for the coming school year. After the contracting trainings end, I will be availbable to those trained and those who couldn't attend the training This will be the beginning of my plan implementation.